Colchester Chipmaster

Hi Stuart, This is how I converted my Chipmaster

In article , SB11 writes

I bought a Chipmaster with a knackered variator a few years back. That made it cheap to buy.

I bought a suitable inverter and motor from John Stevenson, he also very helpfully turned up a two-step pulley so that I've still got the full speed range. Running it at 3000 RPM worries me though... :^)

It's a very nice thing indeed. I use mine a lot and it's better than I am.

On or around Sat, 6 Dec 2008 09:50:26 -0000, "SB11" enlightened us thusly:

The speed control (variator) is the essence of the machine and the key to the value. If it's good, and the bed etc is good, the machine is worth a lot, 'cos it's a very good machine. If knackered, then much less as repairing it is prohibitive. However, see other comments about converting, if it is knackered then you remove it, substitute a suitable inverter and single-speed mechanical drive...

I'd be wary if you can't see it running. Read up on

The other way of converting is a single-phase motor if the rest of the lathe is sound. My Student has a high-start-torque 2HP single phase. It's underpowered compared with the stock 3HP 3-phase, but for the light work I do with it, it's not a problem. If I wanted to run nearer the capacity it's designed for, I'd have got a 3HP or 4HP motor.

buying a single-phase motor is likely to be cheaper than a good inverter.

Many thanks all for your advice. I got a brief look at the machine, yesterday. Its looks to be in pretty good condition. It has had a bash on the speed controller plate at some time and there is a piece missing. The handwheels and dials are silky smooth. It was obviously built as a very high quality machine. From what I believe is the serial number (inset disc on the rear of the bed?) It appears to have been manufactured in 1963. It hasn't run for some time as it was used by the late father of the current owners' of the shop for ME work. They have promised to connect it up and show me it running as well as sorting me out with some basic tooling and bits and pieces. I didn't have the time to get down and dirty in the motor bay to see if the motor can be re-wired for Delta to allow me to connect to a 240V 1PH to 3PH inverter. That will have to wait for another trip (say trip, 10 minute walk) I got a very helpful response from John @ Newton Tesla on the electrical side for an Inverter, plus the option of a new 240V 3PH motor. They are talking sensible money, so as long as it runs, looks like I may have my first lathe on the way. Just got to make space in the garage now.

Stuart

In article , SB11 writes

I *might* have one of those lying around somewhere.

Let me know if you want it and I'll have a rummage and bung it in the post.

Hi Nigel,

Many thanks for the offer, I may well take you up on that at a later date. Do you have John Stevenson's contact details. I am new to this game, so don't know the players yet. Stuart

In article , SB11 writes

Speak his name three times and he appears...

He should be around here. John! You out there?

And if you offer to send John a piece of floor for Christmas you'll have a friend for life

Peter

Wot? Can't anyone have decent kip round here.

john [ at ] stevenson-engineers.co.uk

Take my advice, Stuart, quit while you're ahead- take up needlework or so other pastime. You have been warned.

Signed: A Friend.